Saturday Soapbox

Many mouths to feed:The good news is that the Northern Illinois Food Bank has found a larger facility, in Geneva, from which to distribute food in 13 counties. The bad news is that a bigger facility is needed.Back on track:High praise to Naperville Unit District 203 for, essentially, stopping a strike and getting workers to return to complete the massive renovation of Naperville Central High School. Even better, school officials say even with crews working seven days a week to have the school ready by Aug. 25, the project will still not exceed its $87.7 million budget.Tsk, tsk:It's OK for officials to ride in village vehicles during a parade, but not if they have campaign signs on them, according to the state election code. Prospect Heights Mayor Dolly Vole said she was not campaigning last weekend when she appeared in a public works truck with "Vote for Vole" signs. She explained she didn't want to spend money on new ones, so she just put up her signs from 2009. We think a little poster board and markers would've done the trick.When you don't get what you wish for:After watching all the self-indulgence of "The Decision," it's actually feels kind of nice that LeBron didn't come to Chicago, doesn't it?Speaking of 'The Decision':ESPN, you can start practicing sports journalism any time now.Refusing to slow down:A grandmother of 15, 76-year-old retired school principal Joanne Rooney of Arlington Heights is in Wisconsin this weekend for her fifth triathlon. She took up the sport five years ago, showing the importance of trying something new at any age.Beyond the tunes:Libertyville Elementary District 70 is giving iPod Touch lessons to teachers to use the devices in the classroom. In this case, the students may be ahead of the teachers. More than ever, teachers need to have good tech skills to connect with kids, and districts are right to focus on this kind of training.United against crime:South Elgin leaders are asking for some extra eyes and ears against crime. The village hopes to expand its Neighborhood Watch program, starting with a meeting this month with residents. They should attend. Even in lower crime areas, such programs build connections, which is good for any community.Glee for 'Glee':Fox's hit musical comedy show scored an impressive 19 Emmy nominations. That's good news for Mount Prospect native Ian Brennan, who helped create "Glee" and could come home with his own writing Emmy. And it's also good news for viewers who enjoy the music, the diverse cast and the alternative the show provides to another incarnation of "CSI."Cash in hand:OK, how about this new rule for cashiers: When giving change, stop putting the bills our hands, then the coins on top of the bills, then the receipt on top of all that. What's worse is the cashier who gathers the bills, coins and receipt in one pile and hands that over. Please, coins first (so we can pocket them), then the bills. Anyone who fails to comply should be forced to endure another week of LeBron.